Chapter Thirty-Five: My Life in Another World Has Only Just Begun

Perhaps, in times of peace, the inherent flaws of humanity drive people to scheme against and harm each other. Yet, when faced with a common external crisis, the instinct for solidarity and cooperation among humans is awakened. Now is precisely such a moment of crisis, and it has nearly reached the brink of extinction—a desperate moment where humanity is more united than ever before. Hardly any traces of intrigue or dark plotting can be found.

Of course, competition and personal likes and dislikes still exist, but the days when a person would go to any lengths to destroy someone they disliked are all but gone. Moreover, with supreme authority resting in the hands of the military, most regions now operate under strict martial management, leaving little room for devious schemes to flourish.

There are still occasional minor transgressions—people taking small advantages or skimming a bit of surplus rations—but such individuals have little impact on the overall situation. If anyone oversteps and harms others, their fate is sealed. Once caught, any semblance of comfort in their life vanishes. As a result, such behavior becomes even rarer.

"It seems fortune is on your side as well. So, now that you're officially able to cultivate divine power, would you like to request a transfer to our Guardians' Squad? If you join, the monthly allowance is quite generous, and you'll receive personal guidance from experienced seniors," Hua Jing invited after listening to Zhuang Xiaoyuan’s explanation.

Originally, upon graduation, Zhuang Xiaoyuan was slated for placement in the Guardians' Squad. All humans blessed with a Guardian Spirit, capable of cultivating divine power and growing into Armored Warriors, are assigned to the Guardians' Squads in their respective cities, where veteran warriors teach them foundational knowledge and simple applications of divine power.

If one’s potential is outstanding or their abilities unique, they might even be directly summoned to the Central City’s Armored Academy for advanced training.

Most high-ranking Armored Warriors stationed in various cities or fighting on the front lines against the Army of the Evil Gods have received at least some training at the Central Armored Academy. There, one gains the most systematic and comprehensive education in applying divine power and learns various combat techniques to resist demons and evil gods.

"I think I’m fine as I am. I’d rather stay with the logistics team. But if I encounter any difficulties in my training, may I come to you for guidance, Senior?" After a brief pause, Zhuang Xiaoyuan declined Hua Jing’s invitation.

It wasn’t out of resentment for initially being overlooked by the Guardians' Squad, but simply because Zhuang Xiaoyuan’s current position in logistics was quite satisfactory. Uncle Feng also took good care of her.

More importantly, the logistics team offered many extra work opportunities. If she joined the Guardians' Squad, would it be proper for an Armored Warrior to compete with ordinary soldiers for jobs?

Granted, the monthly stipend for the Guardians' Squad wasn’t low, and there wasn’t much to do most of the time—almost like getting paid for nothing—but that also meant no extra chance to make a windfall. The allowance was fixed and too stable. So staying in logistics was preferable, at least for the continued opportunity to earn more. Who knows—she might land another lucrative job like being head chef in the canteen.

With her own little calculations in mind, Zhuang Xiaoyuan decided to stay where she was. Still, although she wished to remain in logistics, she knew there would be many issues needing mentorship on the path to becoming an Armored Warrior, so she could only muster up the courage to ask.

"Very well. If you have any questions in the future, come find me at the command center’s training base. Also, if you have time soon, stop by to see me. Now that you can cultivate divine power, there are some essential things you need to know. Your information also needs to be registered and uploaded to the Central City’s database. Once confirmed, your monthly allowance will increase. And, with your abilities, I wouldn’t be surprised if a teacher from the Armored Academy comes to personally recruit you for advanced studies. Don’t let such an opportunity slip by. The same goes for Wen Hui."

Seeing the resolve in Zhuang Xiaoyuan’s eyes—realizing her refusal wasn’t born from past grievances but from her own considerations—Hua Jing gave up trying to persuade her.

Instead, she adopted the bearing of a senior Armored Warrior, offering earnest advice. When she mentioned the opportunity at the Armored Academy, she included Wen Hui as well. With Wen Hui’s talent, already advancing to the Divine Descent level at such a young age, she more than met the academy’s admission standards. As for Zhuang Xiaoyuan, her unique Guardian Spirit abilities would surely stir the entire academy.

"Thank you, Senior Hua Jing." Hearing Hua Jing’s response and her caring advice, Zhuang Xiaoyuan bowed in gratitude.

"No need to thank me; this is simply my duty. Don’t be so formal. Call me Sister Jing, like Wen Hui does," Hua Jing replied, her face softening into a gentle smile at the sight of Zhuang Xiaoyuan’s well-mannered demeanor.

Unconsciously, some time had passed as they talked. As time slipped by, Zhuang Xiaoyuan suddenly felt a hollowness within—her divine power could no longer sustain the Divine Descent transformation. Huang Xiaoyan’s form blurred, and with a shattering sound, she dissolved into golden light, converging into the center of Zhuang Xiaoyuan’s right palm.

When the Huang Xiaoyan card reappeared in her hand, it depicted the girl’s elegant, ethereal silhouette. But now, the card was grayed out, unusable for the time being. Though its colors had dimmed, the lower half still clearly displayed the basic information Zhuang Xiaoyuan had personally experienced:

Huang Xiaoyan (Wandering Immortal Girl) — Comprehensive Combat Type

Special Ability: Celestial Eye (When activated, can see through those possessed by evil gods, with additional x-ray and farsight functions.)

Skills:

Talisman Arts (including, but not limited to, Spirit Command Talismans and Immobilization Talismans)
Sword Techniques (including, but not limited to, Sword Qi Projection—Demon Banishment)
Fist Techniques (Tai Chi Cloud Hands)
Immortal Arts (Five Thunders Heavenly Heart True Law—one of the highest-ranking thunder-based immortal techniques, currently usable only by borrowing vital energy through a blood talisman due to insufficient ability)
Vital Energy Blood Talisman (Overdraws divine power to forcibly use techniques unavailable at the current stage; after use, the card's cooldown is extended, rendering it unusable again for seven to fifteen days depending on the level of overdraw)
Immortal Sect Rules (Unknown—Unusable)
Equipment:

Ancient Demon-Banishing Sword (An indestructibly sharp immortal blade)
Mystic Universe Gourd (Innate magical treasure)
Usage Interval: 359 hours, 58 minutes (normal cooldown: 6 hours)

With the card appearing in her palm, Zhuang Xiaoyuan returned to her original appearance. However, unlike before—when her uniform was neat and her spirit robust—her uniform was now torn in several places, and her face was deathly pale.

As the surrounding mecha squads and the ground forces attached to the observation and monitoring team gathered to express their gratitude, Zhuang Xiaoyuan’s body wavered. Finally, her vision went black, and she collapsed backward. Before plunging into deep darkness, she seemed to hear Wen Hui’s anxious voice calling her name.